Black & Decker WM425 Workmate 425 Portable Project Center and Vise

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Product Overview

Details

This workbench combines the portability of a saw horse and the clamping ability of a vise. It provides the user with a compact and sturdy work surface that clamps a wide assortment of materials at the location of your project.

Features:

Heavy-gauge steel frame securely supports up to 550 lbs.

One-handed clamp system allows clamps to be adjusted together or independently

I have had one before and found it got me out of many problems being a professional builder. When I saw this I had to buy .The instructions are awful and two tiny to read. het need to clarify the slider mechanisms.....and I took the band out that makes the two handles move together. The top is now bamboo previously laminated. This is a multi application bit of kit....it is not that light but most men will be able to handle the weight. What I like it folds up flat after use. It is strong and the clamp is versatile giving you an extra hand. You can also hang it on a wall saving space.No I do not have any connection with this company.....For the DIY guy and professional this is a must buy. I think it worth the money and have put heavy weight on it....The price is reasonable for what it does. Make sure you get this model.

I am sure the workmate will work well now that I have finally figured out how to assemble. The instructions are very vague. I had to go to Black and Decker website and get a picture of the workmate assembly to put it together. Otherwise,I like the product very well. It works just asadvertised.

Selection:There are a number of Workmate models available from simple benches such as the WM125 style to the more complex WM1000 model. After reading the reviews and specifications I realized that the WM425 had the best match for my criteria.

Shipping: 5 StarsShipping was very cost effective at the time and it arrived in just a few days.

Packaging: 1 StarThe Workmate was shipped in retail display packaging which is insufficient for typical shipping. The package was damaged with the top almost completely ripped off. I cannot fault the carrier as the cardboard was very thin. As a result one of the plastic feet was missing. The retail box should be shipped inside a stronger shipping box as I have seen with other items.

Customer Support: 5 StarsCustomer Support was very courteous and responsive when I called for the replacement plastic foot that was missing due to poor packaging. The replacement arrived in a few days without item or shipping cost.

Assembly: 5 StarsThe majority of the Workmate was already assembled. Remaining was the working/clamping surfaces and crank handles. Instructions were sufficient, but could be improved.

Durability: 5 StarsThe bench top is now made of bamboo and not particle board which is sensitive to moisture. All of the metal parts are well painted. So, I do not anticipate any rust or swelling of the bamboo bench top due to the high humidity that can be found in Austin Texas.

Overall Rating: 4.5 StarsI have deducted one half star due to the flimsy retail packaging the bench was shipped in resulting in the loss of a plastic foot. This was preventable. Otherwise I am delighted with this bench.

Other Thoughts...

Accessories:There are a number of very useful accessories for the Workmate line of benches. However, you will have to hunt for them on the web. Use the following search criteria to find accessories:

hold down peg clamp push peg clamp peg fence bench dog

I recommend getting an extra set of orange bench dogs like the ones that come with the bench as this will give you additional clamping capabilities and spares in case one gets lost or damaged.

There are also a number or really useful table clamps that are a nice addition to the Workmate.

Height Settings:This workmate can be used at four different heights:

Totally Collapsed - on the floor for very tall items or long items such as 12' PVC pipe Totally Collapsed - on a table or other bench to place your work higher Open with bottom legs collapsed - for larger items you want a higher than close to floor Fully Open - This will probably be your most commonly used height

Replacement Parts:Replacement parts are readily available on-line for many models from a number of parts houses. Be sure to keep your assembly instructions as they contain your model number. Search for "workmate replacement parts"

A previous smaller WorkMate had a particle board laminated top that "chipped" and separated along the vise-jaw "lips". The bamboo laminated board looks harder and more durable for now. The plastic leg-latches and rubber feet were weak points on the previous model, and look to be the same on this one. It is the next best thing to a sturdy workbench and having a strong helper with an extra set of hands, for occasional small jobs.

With limited space in my garage, this Workmate unfolds quickly and handles a multitude of tasks. This is a substantial, upscale unit that does a terrific job on both small and large projects. Far and away outperforms the inexpensive folding work benches offered by outlet and discount stores. I did experience some damage in shipping but a quick call to Black and Decker customer support and the replacement part was shipped immediately, at no cost. Can't ask for better product support! B&D Workmate is the gold standard when it comes to folding workbenches....worth every penny!

I have woodworking skill and tools, machinist toools and skills, I'm also a gunsmith. I have recently delved into blacksmithing and have a nice forge and a 100+ year old Trenton anvil and various other related tools. I find the Black and Decker workmate 425 to be a welcome adjunct when all my various workbenches and surfases are being utilized as well. Your mileage may vary.

Although the assembly instructions were difficult to read(very small print) , it was not difficult to figure it out. I use it as in just about all manner that it was designed for.Easy to carry from job site to job site.

This thing is awesome. Bought it in the store maybe 15 years ago sadly havent seen them other than here since. This thing is a garage super tool even works for lawnmower stand for tune-ups! mine has been well loved over the years found it here buying a new one

I have an old model Black & Decker work table that has helped me for 20 years. This new Workmate has the tilt up vise section which will come in handy on special projects. The table is made of 3 pieces which creates a larger surface, but the 2 rear panels can be removed or positioned to allow for greater versatility. I like the one handed vise adjustment feature. I always had to hold the work piece and alternate hands as I tightened one side then the other.

I bought this to replace an old B&D Workmate that was sold in a move. I missed my old Workmate and now this is a great replacement for an old trusted friend that saw me though a LOT of projects! I like some of the new features that my old table didn't have and I still appreciate its strong and solid feel.

I researched several similar types of systems and this looked the best for the money. I was NOT disappointed. So far it has done everything I have required with little effort. I am actually thinking of getting a second.

I received my Workmate 425 this afternoon. I found it easy to put together. I had downloaded the user manual last week and had red it several times. Maybe this is the reason that it went together easy. I did find that the instruction manual that came with the unit was readable with my 75 year old eyes.

I had a problem with the nylon belt that syncs the jaw handles. The belt kept coming off of the right gear. I managed to get it on using a screwdriver to guide the belt onto the sprocket while applying pressure on the left handle. It came off again. I discovered that the belt was hung at the top just before it got to the right hand sprocket. There was something on the frame holding it so that it entered the sprocket at an angle which caused it to run off of the sprocket. The belt has to run under a tensioning spring and run flat against each other. It works like it is supposed to after making this adjustment.

I went to Youtube and found a lot of videos on how to assemble the WM425. Those by John Taylor were the most helpful. He shows many different jigs and setups on ways to make the WM425 more useful.I found that installing the roll pins that hold the handles was not that hard. Just make sure that the holes in the shaft and handle line up e vertically and gently put the roll pin in the hole and then tap with a hammer. I found that I had to strike them with hammer a little harder than I wanted to but the roll pins did go in flush to the handles.

I am looking forward to using my WM425. It seems to be a well built machine, not the junk that many reviewers have sais about it. After all, in order to be a do it yourselfer, some skill is required.

Excellent peice of equipment. A bit of a pain to assemble but works great!

The directions for assembly leave a bit to be desired but overall it is a great piece of equipment. This is my second Workmate but won't be my last I'm sure.The adjustable top and ability to set the front surface to do vertical clamping is great.

I have an older model of the WM425 and purchased a second one because the 1st one is always in use when I need one. The frame and clamping mechanism appear to be the same in both my old and new table, very sturdy and robust. The only difference is the top work surface plates are made from thinner wood on the new version. The new unit I just purchased had a warped center top plate. It was not flush with either the front or back plates when closed. I asked for a replacement from Black and Decker and they shipped one out right away. I do hope it is flat. Overall, I am very pleased with the product and with the support I received from the manufacturer. Hopefully the new plate is better and fixes the issue. If not, a few minutes with the table saw and drill press and some 3/4" plywood will solve it.

Bought this because I constantly used the one my wife gave me. Thought I could use another rather than carrying it from place to place. It's still tan excellent portable bench. However, the assembly instructions are poor, at best.

This not a heavy work bench. It is engineered well will help you hold your work and you can change the pins around that come with it to set up different angels, nice ! over all works well. Hope this helps. Work On !!!

BEST ANSWER:The Workmate 425 tabletop measures 29 1/8” in width by 20 3/4”The vise opening has a few different options. As I just got this at the Holidays I have not worked extensively with it. The table top is made up of 3 boards. With all 3 boards installed the vise only opens 1 1/8” via the hand cranks. Then you can take out the middle board, which simply slides out of a groove. That middle board measures 7 1/2 “’s so it adds that much to the vise…..The vise action still only moves that 1 1/8”'s or so, but now you have the greater opening if that makes sense. There is also a method to slide one of the boards on edge to give some height to one side of the vise. Again I haven’t had that much opportunity to use this just yet and there may be other ways to vary the opening. It seems pretty solid. I can also tell you that the instructions aren’t very good, thankfully the only assembly is really getting to table top together.

BEST ANSWER:The Workmate 425 tabletop measures 29 1/8” in width by 20 3/4”The vise opening has a few different options. As I just got this at the Holidays I have not worked extensively with it. The table top is made up of 3 boards. With all 3 boards installed the vise only opens 1 1/8” via the hand cranks. Then you can take out the middle board, which simply slides out of a groove. That middle board measures 7 1/2 “’s so it adds that much to the vise…..The vise action still only moves that 1 1/8”'s or so, but now you have the greater opening if that makes sense. There is also a method to slide one of the boards on edge to give some height to one side of the vise. Again I haven’t had that much opportunity to use this just yet and there may be other ways to vary the opening. It seems pretty solid. I can also tell you that the instructions aren’t very good, thankfully the only assembly is really getting to table top together.

Warranty

Warranty Information

Black & Decker Tools and Home Products

Warranted for two (2) years from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from negligent handling, misuse or lack of reasonable maintenance and care. (Proof of purchase maybe required).